The following is a brief overview of each of the 10 channels at www.controleng.com:

• Process Control & Advanced Control. "Process control" refers to the equipment and methods used to automatically measure and manipulate the conditions of a continuous process. "Advanced control" includes any method for process control more elaborate than a single variable PID loop.
• Instrumentation covers sensors, transmitters, and associated hardware for the "big four" process variables—pressure, temperature, flow, and level.
• Software & Information Integration extends into all areas of automation, instrumentation, and control and includes configuration tools; control software; data acquisition/SCADA; design software for automation; ERP integration; Internet; MES/middleware; product selection/specification; real-time, redundant, mission-critical; and SPC/SQC software.
• Machine Control includes programmable controllers, computer numerical controllers, the input/output systems that control manufacturing processes, and pneumatics and hydraulics.
• Human-Machine Interface includes hardware and software products that facilitate interaction with process controllers. Board-level and embedded products are also covered.
• Motors, Drives & Motion Control ranges across the entire automation and controls strategy of measurement, decision, and actuation functions. Versatile motor types provide actuation through decisions of the drive, which provides electronic control and power switching functions, aided by measurements coming from feedback devices. Motion control adds logic functions to all of the above.
• PC-based Control has increased in mindshare and marketshare in the automation industry, among others, differentiating itself from PLCs, DCSs, and CNCs that users seek to replace.
• Control Components covers device-level products. that serve in stand-alone capacities, or may function as part of a larger device or system, including sensors, digital signal processors, intrinsic safety devices, position detection devices, computer input devices, terminal blocks, and power supplies.
• Networks & Communication includes bridges, repeaters, routers, and switches; device networks; embedded networks; Ethernet; fiber-optic equipment; fieldbuses and field-level networks; serial communications; sensor-and I/O-level networks; signalconditioning and converters; wireless technologies; and wire, cable, and connectors.
• System Integration refers to the technology and methods used to connect disparate equipment into a unified automation system. System integrators are contract engineers that provide their time, talents, and technology for industrial automation and control projects.